PMC Elections 2026: Low Early Turnout, Multi-Cornered Contest Marks Polling Day in Pune
Pune, 15th January 2026: Voting is underway for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) General Elections 2026, with the city witnessing a sluggish start in voter turnout during the early hours. Only 5.50 per cent polling was recorded between 7.30 am and 9.30 am, raising concerns among election observers even as polling continued smoothly across most parts of the city.
The PMC elections are being held across 41 wards, with 165 corporators set to be elected. Pune is witnessing a four-cornered contest, making the electoral battle highly competitive. All three parties of the Mahayuti alliance are contesting the elections separately, while the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party have come together to fight the polls jointly. On the other hand, the Congress and Shiv Sena have formed an alliance for the elections.
Pune has a total voter strength of 35,52,637, including 18,32,789 male voters and 17,13,360 female voters. A total of 1,153 candidates are in the fray, making it one of the most crowded municipal contests in recent years. Polling is being conducted at 4,011 polling stations across the city.
Despite the low early turnout, election officials reported enthusiasm among senior citizens and first-time voters, many of whom were seen arriving at polling booths from early morning. Arrangements such as drinking water, shaded waiting areas and queue management have been made at polling centres to facilitate voters.
The PMC elections are largely being viewed as a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Nationalist Congress Party. During the campaign, NCP president Ajit Pawar had repeatedly criticised the BJP.
Controversy had also erupted over the NCP’s manifesto promise of providing free Metro and PMPML bus services, which drew widespread criticism and political debate.
Meanwhile, minor disruptions were reported at some polling stations due to EVM-related issues. Several voters raised objections after machines allegedly stopped functioning temporarily. NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Ankush Kakade also lodged a complaint, alleging that after three votes were cast, the indicator light did not glow during the fourth vote. He further claimed that the EVM displayed the time as 7.44 am, which he said was 14 minutes ahead of the actual time.
Election officials stated that technical teams were promptly deployed wherever complaints were received and assured voters that the polling process remained transparent and secure.
Polling will continue through the day, with election authorities expecting voter turnout to improve during the afternoon and evening hours.
